Every fall, beginning in mid October, thousands of salmon make their way up the Goldstream River to spawn and die. Most of these are Chum Salmon (Onchorynchus keta), just one of the five types of Pacific Salmon. Chinook and Coho Salmon also join the Chum Salmon in the Goldstream River but in smaller numbers.

Why are they here? What are they doing? Where did they come from? Follow the lifecycle of a chum to learn the answers to these questions and more!

The Chum Salmon Lifecycle

A Long Journey Home

Starting in the Gulf of Alaska at the age of four the Chum Salmon make their way back to the river they were born in. The mechanism by which they find their way home is still somewhat of a mystery, but scientists believe they rely on a combination of methods. Studies have shown that salmon use their keen sense of smell, vision and memory. A small piece of magnetite embedded in their heads acts as a compass along with their use of the sun, moon and stars for navigation.

Every girl is crazy for a sharply dressed… salmon

Once they’ve found their way, salmon spend between a few days to weeks at the mouth of the river; the estuary. Here they undergo some amazing physiological changes needed for spawning in freshwater. Male Chum Salmon grow large, hooked jaws with sharp teeth for fighting. Both sexes change colour entirely. The estuary provides the salmon with a gradual change from saltwater to freshwater; nevertheless, the drastic difference causes the salmon’s kidneys to work overtime to absorb the small amount of salts and minerals from the river while constantly expelling excess water.

Making Whoopee: Spawning at Goldstream Provincial Park

Once in the river, the salmon travel upstream in search of a good place to spawn. The Female will look for gravel which is just the right size and shape for her nest; sometimes building within a meter of the very spot she was born! While she digs her nest, by slapping her tail against the substrate, the males fight for dominance. The large jaws and teeth they have recently grown come in handy here and they can inflict serious wounds on each other as they fight for the right to pass on their genetic material. The winning male, often the biggest and with the brightest colours, will then join the female in her nest. The “salmon hug” - the male will vibrate his body against the females as if to say “I’m ready when you are!”. When the female is ready, she will release her eggs into the nest. The male has a very short time to fertilize the eggs, usually from 10-30 seconds before a competitive male will swim in and attempt to fertilize the eggs himself. Once they are done the female will move upstream, and start to build another nest, subsequently covering her downstream eggs with rocks and gravel, protecting them until they hatch in the spring. She will build a number of nests that all together are called a “redd”. The female typically dies within a week of laying her last eggs, while the males will keep spawning as long as they are able to win the battles with other males for spawning rites.

Watch for:

§Both male and female salmon. Males have maroon streaks on the sides of their bodies, whereas females have a horizontal black stripe along their sides.

§Female salmon digging their nests. The flanks of the salmon are easily visible as they turn onto their sides to slap their tails against the riverbed.

§Courtship. Watch for males vibrating their bodies rapidly against the females.

§Other wildlife! Check out the field guide for pictures and information!

Gone but not forgotten: Salmon Forests

By early December the spawn is drawing to a close and the river is choked with the remains of thousands of salmon. Their lives are over but their contribution to ecosystem has just begun. Death is the beginning of a new cycle connecting a multitude of plants and animals. The postmortem gift of the salmon is so great that the forest is known as a “salmon forest”. Many organisms are the beneficiaries of the salmon’s bounty. The current carries decomposing salmon downstream, creating an irresistible buffet in the estuary which attracts hundreds of bald eagles in December and January. Gulls feast upon the carcasses and, as they fly over head, “lighten their load”, sending nutrient rich salmon poop plummeting into the forest. It’s a good idea to keep your mouth closed when looking up, just in case. Little “Dippers” dive into the stream in search of a meal of roe (salmon eggs). Raccoons, mink, otters and even bears have made a feast of the dead and dying salmon during the approximately 9 weeks of the run. The nutrients contained in the salmon’s body are redistributed as bears carry their meal up to 4-6 kilometers into the forest where, like picky children, they eat only their favorite parts and leave the rest to the recycling crew: billions of bacteria, fungi and insects that break down what is left of the salmon and make it available to the trees and plants. Gone but not forgotten, the salmon feed and sustain many of the plants and animals in the “salmon forest”.

The Cycle Renews

As the warm rains of March fall into Goldstream, the salmon eggs, which have been growing in their gravel nests, hatch. The young fish are calledalevin. They continue to live in gravel of the freshwater stream and feed off of their yolk sac which is still attached to their body. When the yolk sac is used up they “button up” or scar over where the yolk sac was attatched. They emerge asFry. Now they have no choice but to leave the safety of the nest in search of food.TheFry don’t spend much time in the river, but head downstream to where the freshwater of the Goldstream River and the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean meet. This is called the estuary, and it is where the fry will undergo an incredible transformation calledsmoltificationthat will allow them to survive in the salt water that will be their home for the next four years. Thesmolt especially vulnerable to predation during this time, and must find places to hide and eat as they adjust to the salt water and grow in preparation for their ocean journey.

Chum Salmon spend 2-4 years in the ocean before returning to spawn. Factors that affect return number include: ocena predation, commercial and sport fishing, near-shore urbanization, pollution, parasites/diseases and more. In 1971 The Goldstream Hatchery began operations and from 1973-1976 the number of incubation boxes was increased. Continuing good survival rates along with more accurate and consistent salmon counting methods are evident in the graph following 1977.

The Open Ocean

After a few weeks the juvenile chum salmon are ready to leave the estuary and venture into the open ocean. They migrate up the coast to the Gulf of Alaska, where they will spend the next four years growing, eating and trying to avoid being eaten. (Salmon are a tastey treat for orcas, bigger fish, dolphins, seals and humans.)

That Lovin’ Feeling

After four years in the open ocean the adult salmon are compelled to return. The adult chum salmon will make the long, long journey back to the very stream where they were born to spawn…and die.The salmon have travelled a long way to be here, and have a very important job to do. We are very lucky to be able to witness this incredible event at Goldstream Provincial Park. Things are all ready pretty stressful for the salmon. You can help reduce the stress of the salmon and increase your viewing enjoyment by following the

Salmon Viewing Tricks and Tips

§Start your visit at the Nature House. Naturalists are always on hand to answer any of your salmon questions.

Plus check out our LIVE underwater salmon cam and warm up with a hot cup of fresh organic coffee! Don’t forget your wallet- there’s a fabulous bookstore and giftshop.

§Avoid coming on weekend afternoons if you can, the park is very crowded.

§Please car pool if possible, there is limited parking.

§Bring sunglasses with polarizing lenses to cut sown on glare from the water. These are especially good for children. You can also get polarizing lenses for you cameras.

§ Try to find viewing sites that are up high (top of banks, bridges) to increase visibility, while staying on the trail. Small children can see better up on your shoulders.

§Avoid moving quickly, and approach the river bank quietly. Find fish that are actively building nests and watch for the spawning behavior.

§Don't throw anything in the river.

§Leave your dog at home. If you do bring a dog it must be on a leash and kept out of the river.

§Bring your binoculars. Because of changes in the way BC Parks manages the estuary, there are increasing numbers of Bald Eagles and other birds using the salmon round.

§Do not leave your wallet, purse or other valuables in your car.

FALL

Chum Salmon – It is November and there is an “interesting” smell at the Goldstream Park. The Chum Salmon have returned to spawn and then die – look for the males with hooked jaws and vertical purple streaks on their sides.The females have a dark/purple horizontal stripe.You will see this life cycle happening only in the fall (Oct-Dec) in the Goldstream River.

Chinook/Coho Salmon – These salmon come to the Goldstream River in late September and are heading up towards the Fish Hatchery along with their fish pals the Coho.The hatchery raises these fish from egg to fry, and then releases them into the river.The Chinook are distinguished by its spotty appearance and the Coho by its more colorful body.

Spring/Summer 2015

Heading out to the park? Check out this field guide every season to find out which wildlife to keep your eyes out for in the park. See the field guide below for some of the most common flowers, butterflies and birds that appear in the park in the Spring and Summer.

For more details check out the Goldstream Nature House’s fantastic selection of field guides!

Download a printable trail map of Goldstream Provincial Park.

Himalayan BlackberryINTRODUCED AND INVASIVE

Who:Rubus discolor

Where: Seen mostly in disturbed sites and streamside areas.

When/Why: Arching brush with impenetrable thickets, the flowers bloom in late spring with white to pinkish blossoms.It will fruit into delicious blackberries which are edible.

So What: This is an Asian species from India but introduced via England.

Salmonberry

Who:Rubus spectabilis

Where: Moist to wet places and usually along stream/river beds.

When: In early spring the pinky/reddish flowers will start to bloom, sometimes several together.In this area it is the earliest fruit to ripen which is in May or June.

Why: The ripening of the berries brings the song of the ‘salmonberry bird’…the Swainson’s thrush.

So What: Both sprouts and berries were used by the North west coast people.Berries are still eaten and delicious.

Scotch BroomINTRODUCED & INVASIVE!

Who:Cytisus scoparius

Where: Found in open sites, on the side of roads or in developed areas.Now it is invading natural meadows and open forests.

When/Why: Brought here in 1850 by Captain Walter Colquhoun which he first picked from the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). The seeds he planted in Sooke and now it has taken over Southern Vancouver Island.

So What: It has endangered the regions distinctive rainshadow flora. **Watch children carefully, seeds and pods are poisonous if eaten.

Skunk Cabbage

Who:Lysichiton americanum

Where: Seen in wet/moist forests, swamps and usually shade covered.

When: In early spring yellow/Greenish flower appear. Leaves are large the plant can grow 30-150cm tall. Plant has a ‘skunky’ odor.

Why: Skunky odor attracts the perfect and not so obvious pollinator…

So What: Leaves were used as an ‘Indian wax paper’ lining baskets and steaming pits.Rarely used as food and only after being steamed.

Western Trillium

Who:Trillium Ovatum

Where: Moist forests along streams or rivers

When: Flower blooms early spring, March – May, as robins appear; sometimes referred to as ‘wake-robin’. Flower is white and turns pinky/purple with age.

Why: Because ants help this plant, which lives in a dim forested environment, by carrying the seeds to their nests for the larvae to eat and the rest is spread out through the soil.

So What: Latin trillium means ‘in 3’s, for the petals, leaves, sepals and stigmas. Please do not pick or the plant will die, the only way the bulb replenishes itself is from its leaves.

Indian Plum

Who:Oemleria cerasiformis

Where: Found in dry to moist open woods/areas.

When/Why: Flowers are greenish/white and flower very early…even before leaves appear! Flowers hang like a pendulum. Leaves smell like cumber when squashed. Fruits start as light peach color to a dark red/purple, ‘plum’ looking.

So What: Edible but bitter with a big pit. The branches were chewed and applied to areas on the body that were sore.

Camas

Who:Camasia quamash

Where: Found in grassy slopes and meadows at low to mid elevations.

When/Why: Later in spring these beautiful blue/violet colored flowers make an appearance. The color of the petals may resemble the blue of fine clear water.

So What: The bulbs of this plant were eaten but only after extensive cooking methods.It was harvested early in spring so not to be confused with Death Camas, which grows in similar areas but has a creamy white flower. Death Camas is poisonous and potentially fatal.

False Lily of the Valley

Who:Maianthemum dilatatum

Where: Found in moist to wet, shady areas, close to water.

When/Why: Blooming in spring the flowers are white and in parts of 4 and are delicately perfumed. Fruits start off small and brownish and grow into a rich red color.

So What: Many Northwest coast groups used the leaves and roots on sores. The Cowichan drank a root tea for healing internal injuries.

Miners Lettuce (Siberian)

Who:Claytonia sibirica

Where: Found in moist shady sites.

When/Why: The white to pink flowers are found in 1-3 flower clusters later in spring.

So What: The leaves are edible. The plant was used on the abdomen for constipation and chewed by women to induce labor.

Nootka Rose

Who:Rosa Nutkana

Where: Found in a variety of open habitats.

When/Why: Leaves are toothed and flowers are pink at tips of branch. Fruits are purplish-red rounded hips and are ready later in summer.

So What: Branches and stems were used for eye treatment. Leaves were applied to bee stings and berries were cooked, mashed and fed to babies for constipation.

Oregon Grape

Who:Mahonia nervosa

Where: Dry to moist areas, in and out of the shade.

When/Why: Identified by its holly-like leaf.The beautiful yellow flower blooms in late April and a dark purple/blue berry late July or August.The berry is sour but not poisonous.

So What: Today the berries are used for jellies and some people like to make wine.

Red Breasted Sapsucker

Who: Sphyrapicus ruber

Where: Found in humid forests and common in mixed forests. Usually spotted because of red head and little black coloring.

When/Why: May be sighted all year

So What: These ‘suckers’ are essential for secondary cavity users.

Pileated Woodpecker

Who:Dryocopus pileatus

Where: These guys are uncommon but found in mature hardwood and coniferous forests. Their long neck and red crest will be hard to miss.

When/Why: Their favorite foods are carpenter ants so you will see them low on dead trees or even fallen trees.You’ll know it is them, their holes are oval or rectangular shaped.

So What: The drum of their work is slow, powerful, accelerating and trailing off at the end.

Stellar’s Jay

Who:Cyanocitta stelleri

Where: Very common in coniferous and mixed forests.

When/Why: You will see these ones all year here.The call/song is unmusical, but can often imitate other birds.

So What: They are British Columbia’s Provincial bird. It is the only all-dark Jay with a crest.

Golden Crown Kinglet

Who:Regulus satrapa

Where: Found in mature trees high in spruces or other conifers.

When/Why: These birds are found all year long here and are sighted in groups of three or more.

So What: These birds like to hang upside down or hover at the tips of branches to eat insects.

Winter Wren

Who:Troglodytes troglodytes

Where: Uncommon in damp shaded area near rivers or streams.

When/Why: They have an overall dark brown coloring with a short pale eyebrow. You will notice their tails which are usually always raised up.

So What: Its beautiful song is high, tinkling trills and thin buzzes.

Hummingbirds – Rufous and Anna’s

Who:Selasphorus rufus and Calypte anna

Where: Both common in open woods of coniferous and riparian habitat. Males are easiest to distinguish. Rufous males have orange/copper coloring and Anna’s males have a red throat and crown. Anna’s females have a red patch on the throat and Rufous females have an orange/red patch on the throat, both have a green back.

When/Why: After the Rufous returns from southern wintering grounds in early spring and generally all year for the Anna’s.The Rufous voice is a high hard chip tyuk. Anna’s voice is very high, sharp stit.

So What: Anna’s hummingbirds will become insectivores during our winter season.

Myth: Hummingbirds migrate south on the back of Canadian Geese!!

American Robin

Who:Turdus migratorius

When: Here all year. It is hard to miss these birds with their uniform gray coloring and their vibrant orange/copper breast.

Where/Why: These birds nest in any open woodland. Their song is a series of low whistled phrases.

So What: This robin communally roosts in the winter with numbers that can reach the thousands.

Violet Green Swallows

Who:Tachycineta thalassina

When: Common in early spring, after their long migrational journey.

Where/Why: These swallows use cavities and cliff crevices for nesting.But are often seen foraging over water. These guys are smaller than the tree swallows. Watch for the beautiful green and violet colors of the male ‘violet green’ swallow!

So What: Their song is a repeated series of short, creaking or twittering notes.

House SparrowINTRODUCED AND INVASIVE

Who:Passer domesticus

Where: Known as the sparrow of cities, towns and farms. Almost always seen in small flocks.

When/Why: Introduced from Europe in the mid 1800’s. They’re here all year round.

So What: Song is a series of identical chirps.

American Dipper – This crazy little bird thinks it is a duck!It dives under the water looking for salmon eggs.When standing on the rocks of the Goldstream River, it “dips” up and down.You will find this dark colored bird along the river near the day use area.

Bald Eagle – Look for whiteheads and tails in the adults and molted dark/white feathers in the juveniles (<5yrs old).These ones are best spotted in the estuary dotting the trees like Christmas decorations! Eagles are most abundant in Dec-Jan after the salmon run has left a tasty treat of rotting salmon!!

Barred Owl – This is the owl who says “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all” – say it fast enough and you’ll sound like a barred owl! It is a stocky little owl with a rounded head and a short tail.You might find this owl in the forest around the estuary hunting for rodents, but you will have to come at night.

Barrows Golden Eye – These water birds will be found in abundance in the Estuary down by the Nature House.Look for them from the viewing platform – they are distinguished by their golden eyes!The males have lovely green heads in the Oct-June breeding period.

Dark Eyed Junco – This dark dull-gray headed bird loves to hangout under the bird feeder at the Nature House.They nest in the coniferous trees in Goldstream Park.In the winter they like to hang out in large flocks in brushy areas.

Fox Sparrows – These birds are one of the largest of the sparrows.They have brownish plumage and densely spotted breasts.You will find fox sparrows in the brushy areas near the Nature House.

Glaucous Winged Gull – Chances are that gull out in the estuary, or hunting for salmon eggs, or the tasty eyeballs of the dead salmon along the river is a glaucous winged gull.They are noisy birds and love coming to the Goldstream River during the salmon run period – they are a part of the “clean-up crew”.HINT: if you are looking up to the sky or the trees when a lot of gulls are flying around – keep your mouth CLOSED, gulls poop when they fly!!

Great Blue Heron – This tall majestic bird likes to hangout in the quiet waters of the estuary or in the swampy area near the big old cedar tree on the path to the Nature House.It stands very still waiting for dinner to swim right by – it then darts it beak into the water, emerging with a fish or a frog in its beak.Herons visit Goldstream Park all year long.They are solitary birds that like their own company.

Golden Crowned Sparrow – One of the largest sparrows, as an adult, it boasts a lovely golden yellow crown.It can be found in dense brush, often singing its heart out!Look for these birds in the brush at the Nature House.

Stellar’s Jay – Our beautiful B.C. Bird is a raucous character who sports a lovely deep blue coat and a darker crest on its head.Found frequently at the bird feeder outside the Nature House.

Winter Wren – Have you noticed a little dark brown bird with a short tail held cocked upright foraging near the bird feeder at the Nature House? Chances are it is a winter wren.They like to forage on the ground and through dark crevices in shady woods and dense brush.

Chum Salmon – It is November and there is an “interesting” smell at the Goldstream Park. The Chum Salmon have returned to spawn and then die – look for the males with hooked jaws and vertical purple streaks on their sides.The females have a dark/purple horizontal stripe.You will see this life cycle happening only in the fall (Oct-Dec) in the Goldstream River.

Chinook/Coho Salmon – These salmon come to the Goldstream River in late September and are heading up towards the Fish Hatchery along with their fish pals the Coho.The hatchery raises these fish from egg to fry, and then releases them into the river.The Chinook are distinguished by its spotty appearance and the Coho by its more colorful body.